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S M, Malarvizhi D. Effects of Whole-body Vibration on Balance in Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy. Iranian Rehabilitation Journal 2026; 24 (2) :157-166
URL: http://irj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-2584-en.html

Objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent disorders affecting movement and posture due to non-progressive brain disturbances. Spastic CP, the most common type, primarily affects the lower limbs. Children with spastic diplegic CP experience difficulties with balance and walking. Whole-body vibration (WBV) has shown promise in improving balance in various populations; however, its effects on children with spastic diplegic CP have not been well studied. This study aimed to determine the effects of WBV on balance in children with spastic diplegic CP. 
Methods: Twenty children with spastic diplegic CP, aged 6-12 years, were assigned to two groups: Group A and Group B. Group A received WBV combined with therapeutic exercises, while Group B received only therapeutic exercises. Balance was assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) before and after a six-week intervention. 
Results: The pre-test PBS scores were 31.63±4.27 for the experimental group and 23.40±2.07 for the control group. Post-test scores were 39.38±4.14 and 26.20±2.30 for the experimental and control groups, respectively. Both groups improved significantly, with the experimental group showing greater post-test balance scores than the control group. 
Discussion: WBV combined with therapeutic exercises significantly enhances balance in children with spastic diplegic CP, suggesting its effectiveness as a treatment protocol.